My Sleep-Talking Roommate

So this was my first semester of college. I was extremely excited. I was looking forward to the change of scenery, new friends and the whole "college experience". I was also excited to spend the year with my roommate, whom I've been friends with for several years and was from a town 40 miles away. Well I can comfortably say that it has been an enjoyable semester, and while there have been ups and downs, entire experience has been very positive. Aaron and I have gotten along well, even if he has to deal with my taste in movies and my general clutter, yet one thing I hadn't foreseen, was Aaron's tendency to talk in his sleep. I started writing things down a few weeks into school, sadly, having forgotten and missed several funny things in those early days. A little while later I began to put dates to these conversations. Finally I began to experiment with his sleep-talking state. What follows is my list of these statements in it's entirety.

The things Aaron said are just the regular sentences, while my statements are in parentheses, and other bits of information are noted by *stars.*

------------

Oh my God! I'm so sorry! Oh my gosh you have no idea how embarrassed I am, like seriously I'm so....*realizes that he's still in bed*.
(You're crazy man.)

IT wasn't me! Keep talking, sorry, wasn't me keep talking.

Its a great year, I'm really looking forward to it. And to see you! Now that I'm closer!

Vocal music at the church!?

OCT24
Uh Huh. Ok, I don't know about the dates right now, but can you email the dates to me? .... Okay... um ... Ok we can talk later.

OCT24
*panicky*... Get them off!.... What?!... k just go..

OCT27
Stop, Stop, Let's go back through that part but louder.

OCT27
NO NO NO NO NO NO.... The snowflakes are going through the porcelain!. It's gonna get cold in here.

NOV2
Did I forget Fame last night? At 46444.... I need food to see them.

NOV2
Hi! How are you? It's been so long since I've seen you, it's sad.

NOV4
HEY, will you hold on for a second? I'll be right back.... WHOA!!!!

NOV10
Sitsup and points at the TV where i'm watching a movie. OH NO!
(What?)
The boards! They're coming out!
(You were sleep talking again Aaron.)
No I wasn't.
.......
Yes I was.

NOV10
Did you dig through all the stuff to find it?
(Yes. Dig through what to find what?)
I don't know......*Snore*

NOV10
I eat at the penetentiary alot. It's for my mom. We eat there pretty often. I know. Don't judge me. It's nice I don't know what you're talking about.

NOV13
Oh yeah! Yeah, she with uh... I think.. uh.. I think she's with a Britton boy now... Nice gal.. real nice.

NOV13
SHHHHH! What the heck was that?

NOV16
Hahahahaha... *sigh*

NOV18
I love this song.
(Yeah?)
(sits up) OH sorry! I'll turn it down, it's so loud and you're trying to sleep.
(Turn what down Aaron?)
The music, I.... oh.. It was just playing in my head... I thought..... the ipod.. sorry, nevermind.

NOV24
Hey, Hey hey, Hey, Hey That's what I'm taking. Hey. That's exactly what I'm taking. Hey. It's nothing to worry about. Hey. Hey. It's fine.
(Are you talking on the phone?... hey... Aaron?... you awake?)
Sorry I just got a text from my friend who's gonna be in intermediate algebra, and I'm just like it's not a big deal, I'm in it too, but she's just freaking out. I don't know what her problem is. It's not a big deal I'm gonna be in it too. But she's just freaking out. I don't know.
(So you called her back?)
No she just texted me.
(But then why were you talking?)
What are you talking about?
(You were just talking out loud. Did you call her?)
No I wasn't talking to her. I don't know what you're talking about.
(Ok Aaron.)
**I asked Aaron the next day who he got the text from, and he didn't recall any of it. He checked his phone and there was no text. Basically the whole thing was a dream and I just joined in. This would probably have to be about the most complete conversation we've had while he was asleep so far.**

NOV24
You do what you can...

DEC5
I'll go around the world!

DEC13
How was Mom thinking?

DEC14
I have one of these emails!



So there it is. Many people have been looking forward to this post for a long time. I plan to do a follow up next semester. If you enjoyed this, share the link with a friend!

It isn't easy being Pro-Palin.

Found this video the other day. Thought it really captured the intelligence and careful, well studied understanding of Sarah Palin's supporters.



http://www.thenation.com/doc/20091207/palinfans_video

Lost

Found this great little story... Thought I'd post it!

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

“She rolled her eyes and said, “You must be an Obama Democrat.”
“I am,”replied the man. “How did you know?”

“Well,” answered the balloonist, “everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve not been much help to me.”

The man smiled and responded, “You must be a Republican.”
“I am,” replied the balloonist. “How did you know?”

“Well,” said the man, “you don’t know where you are or where you are going. You’ve risen to where you are due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it’s my fault.”

A WWII Veteran's Stance on Gay Marriage

I stumbled upon this today and was compelled to share it with others. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

It's not much, but it's a post.

So I thought I would blog more when I got to college, yet I have found myself preoccupied with having a life! I do have a few college themed posts coming up, but until then, I thought I'd just post this lovely image that made me smile.

Farmers Union Spirit

In case you don't get the Union Farmer, this is the article I wrote which is featured in the most recent edition.

Every June, a diverse group of teens from across South Dakota converges upon a small camp nestled in the Black Hills. These teens begin their journey to camp on two buses, one each from the north and south. Up until each bus reaches the hills, their trip is a swift one, crossing the state, with the customary McDonalds lunch stop, and many long conversations between friends who take advantage of the time to catch up since seeing each other at the last state camp. But eventually, after several hours on the road, the buses arrive at the foot of a winding two-mile stretch of gravel leading to Camp Placerville. Thus begins a busy but educational week.

One of our biggest and most rewarding projects begins right at the beginning of camp with the formation of our 5 different cooperatives: The Co-op Store, The Daily Newspaper, the Insurance Co-op, the Credit Union and the Coffee Co-op. Another highlight of the week includes Tour Day, which took this year to a Radio/Television Station in Rapid City, Mini Golfing, The Presidential Wax Museum, and Mount Rushmore. And of course state camp wouldn’t be state camp without Theme Dances, Cooperation Games, Campfires, and singing our favorite camp songs!

I’ve been going to Farmers Union camps since I was around seven or eight years old, and I can definitely remember not being extremely confident in myself or comfortable around so many crazy, singing, chanting people. But one thing that stuck in my mind through all my years attending district and local camps was constantly hearing about how great Farmers Union State Camp was. Back then I can remember thinking of this camp as essentially the Holy Grail of camp experiences, and each year I grew more eager to get to be a part of it. Through my years at district camps, I made many friends, some of whom I would serve on the Junior Advisory Council with many years later, and with whom I made memories that will last forever. It has been these friends who I believe have been one of the biggest benefits of being involved with the Farmers Union Youth Program. They have shaped my beliefs, my sense of humor, and who I am as a person.

Farmers Union and its youth program have had such a tremendous impact on my life and I could never thank this great organization and it’s staff enough. I look forward to being involved with the Farmers Union for the rest of my life, and I know that because of the education program, many kids who come after me will do the same. If you have children or grandchildren who haven’t yet attended a district or state camp, strongly encourage them to do so! It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Hi, I'm a Mac.

Wow. It's been quite a while since my last post. I'm fairly disappointed in myself over that fact, but I've definitely been busy. Graduation, camps, work, and everything else in between have seriously been cramping my time to do some writing, but here I am.

This is my first post from my new Macbook! So far I'm loving it. Everything is just so, integrated! And as Martin Luther King Jr. would say, "It's all about the integration."

As for graduating from high school, I'm couldn't be more excited. Every day I find something new that I'm glad I won't have to deal with! I'm beyond ecstatic to be going to SDSU in the fall. So many great friends will be there, and I've got a great room-mate!

On an un-related note, I'm recently addicted to twitter. Follow me @BeefHarbor

Not much else to say right now, but I'll try to post again soon.

- B

A Conversation With Myself

Shortly after joining facebook, curiousity got the better of me, and I searched for my own name. In the facebook universe, there are five people with listed profiles who share my name, so naturally, I added the Blake at the top of the list. I didn't think much of it at the time, and it wasn't until roughly a year later, last night, I noticed that he was online. As far as I know, we have no relation, at least, not a close one. I'm sure if you went back in our family tree, you might find that we are, but essentially, we're not. For your convienience, I have numbered the two Blakes as 1 and 2. I am number one, and the conversation that ensued was as follows:
Blake 1
Good morning Blake ******!

Blake 2
still night time to me bro
thats gotta sound weird saying that

Blake 1
I suppose it is. It's 1:15 here
haha yeah quite weird

Blake 2
how's the fam?

Blake 1
even more wierd seeing status updates with my name
oh they're great

Blake 2
been a while since the last family reunion

Blake 1
That it has.

Blake 2
ever heard of anyone else named blake ******, or u think its just the 2 of us?

Blake 1
I searched on facebook, and theres like 3 or so

Blake 2
including us?

Blake 1
yes
5. I just checked

Blake 2
those other 3 guys r probably pretty cool

Blake 1
I have a feeling they're some of the coolest.

Blake 2
if they put us all in one room together the world would probably end

Blake 1
We should.
An epic gathering of Blake ******s.

Blake 2
how many people does it take to start a country?

Blake 1
Land.
I don't believe the population matters.

Blake 2
wrong word
how many people does it take to start a nation?

Blake 1
There was this country called the principality of sealand, and it was just an old oil drilling station. But it was sold.

Blake 2
the land comes after
im sure we could buy a corner of new zealand or something for a reasonable price

Blake 1
Sounds fantasic. Land in south dakota would probably be cheaper tho, however, the united states government doesn't take lightly to succession.

Blake 2
it would only be 5 of us

Blake 2
its not like every christian man in america wants out

Blake 1
yeah.
It reminds me of a Family Guy episode

Blake 2
yeah, what did he call it

Blake 1
Petoria!

Blake 2
petoria or somethin...?
hah, im not even a huge family guy fan
ive seen that one though

Blake 2
oh wait, ur actually from south dakota?

Blake 1
Did you think that was a joke?

Blake 2
i thought u were just pickin a random place in america

Blake 1
haha nope

Blake 2
i didnt know there were people in south dakota, i thought there were just mountains and bugs

Blake 1
(Facepalm)

Blake 2
u know i was kidding, right?

Blake 1
I've heard of the mythical people who don't realize that south dakotan's drive cars and have tv and internet.
haha i hoped as much

Blake 2
wait wait
ur tellin me that u have tv and internet too?
i suppose u have houses too
i knew there were people in south dakota, but come on

Blake 1
nope, we live in teepees and sod houses

Blake 2
and ur communicating with me through some special ancient telepathic voodoo trick, too right? like im not crazy or anything

Blake 1
totally. the smoke signals travel long distances
Buffalo dung burn long time.

Blake 2
i think i'll visit south dakota someday
sounds like a lovely place

Blake 1
it is nice. I like living here.

Blake 2
and i've heard property is cheap

Blake 1
yes. quite. the cost of living is much lower
I just got back from DC, which is a huge price increase for everything.

Blake 2
im from NYC, u don't have to tell me about prices of everyday items

fortunately south florida is much cheaper

Blake 1
i'd believe it.

Blake 2
probably relatively the same prices as u
how much was gas last time u drove past one?

Blake 1
ha. gas is like two something...

Blake 2
in ur horsedrawn buggy

Blake 1
the horse produces its own gas.

Blake 2
does ur horse ever provide the gas station with its gas?

Blake 1
nope, natual gas doesnt work for cars, they need gasoline

Blake 2
i didnt know that gas stations in south dakota sold gasoline

Blake 1
well, they used to just sell seeds, and hay, but they've been upgrading.

Blake 2
primitive...

Blake 1
Yeah, but i've heard about this new thing called fire! it seems to be all the rage. The wheel just came out last week, and i'm thinking of saving up enough corn and cattle to trade for one

Blake 2
good for you
its nice to know this information is being leaked to you
how you're getting it i have no idea

Blake 1
The underground railroad just hit south dakota. They've brought alot of info. I can't believe you've been keeping all these slaves. Long live the freedom train.

Blake 2
YOU HAVE BLACK PEOPLE TOO?

Blake 2
do they interact with you?

Blake 1
They play sports with us!
They're really good tho.

Blake 2
i hope you don't let them play basketball

Blake 1
We did.

Blake 2
uh oh
i hate to tell you this...
but south dakota is pretty much screwed as far as basketball and most other major sports goes for a long time

Blake 1
We have no major sports teams, so I think it's going to be an improvement.

Blake 2
do u play with coconuts or rocks?

Blake 1
Are you suggesting that coconuts migrate?

Blake 2
you had already implied that your people had means of trade

Blake 1
I had to ask, that was an obscure reference to monty python and the holy grail.

Blake 2
dont think ive ever seen that movie

Blake 1
shame, great flick.
well i should probably go.

Blake 2
is that the one with a guy with a wheelbarrel full of dead people at the beginning saying "bring out your dead"?

Blake 1
yeah!

Blake 2
oh, ok.. i have seen that then
have a good night man

Blake 1
you too! I might post this convo on my blog.

Blake 2
haha
cool with me
later bro, BLAKE POWER!

Blake 1
Amen brother, Amen.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day is less than 48 hours away, and I can't say enough to explain why I hate it. Now the view that I have may be a limited one, as a single person, and as someone who has never been in a relationship on Valentines Day, but if you're not a couple caught up in the rampant consumerism inherent in your "I Love You - Chocolates" and You're My Everything - Flowers", and you happen to be alone this Valentines Day, you realize what a crock is. Valentines day, for the single, is just a chance to show everyone how alone you are.

Some of us are never the object of affection. So to have a day where everyone else is given smiles, kisses and candy,and we receive a sharp kick in the pants (Usually in the metaphorical sense, but sometimes literally.) is near cruelty. Valentines day, in the most basic necessity for those untethered by someone who cares about them, is a day for everyone to see just how alone you are, and in your loneliness, you can feel more pathetic, worthless, and alone.

Until the next time I'm pissed off about something,
B.

Thursday

Happy Thursday Everyone.

I should have probably posted on the 20th, seeing as it was the day that Barack Obama was inaugurated our 44th president, but as is typical for me, life shoveled some crap my way, so to try and be excited about everything would have been grossly overshadowed with my dismal mood.

However, the inauguration went off without serious problems, and some friends were even there to see it! I'm looking forward to the t-shirt they got me!

Life's been sub par at best lately. I've been pretty fed up/depressed over everything for a good week now. I had fun with the one act play this week, but I'm glad it's done too. Basketball is going well, and with the recent victory over Ipswitch, we're feeling pretty positive.

I have a few things to be thankful for. Timing. This week has been alot easier for me than it would have, even if absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I've been listening to alot of music lately. It just helps me to shut everything out. I heard the song "What Hurts the Most" by Rascal Flatts on the radio yesterday, and while I'd heard the song many times before, it never fit like it does now. I'm not trying to sound like some emo tho... so enough of that.

Until next time,
-B